Is $17,500 a good settlement for a Nassau County, NY car accident? I have 8 herniated discs and nerve damage as a result.

My atty originally told me I'd get about $60K, and now the ins. co. of defendant's final offer is $17,500 and won't go to arbitration. I wasnt moving, and was hit in driver door by jerk going 65 mph, making illegal right turn from L of 4-lane road. She sped through a light and then turned, and hit me. It's a miracle I'm alive. I was in PT almost 2 yrs; still in pain. Ortho suggested epidural injections; I'm nervous and would rather live in pain. I'm self-employed decorative artist.

My fear is I will be in worse pain, or disabled as time goes by, and I will have no recourse. $10K net isn't a lot to make up for this. But if that is typical settlement, I know I will have to live with it. Can I bring civil suit, or leave case open to sue in future? What are the chances of success?